Born in 1960, Carlos Cartagena, is recognized as one of the top pin up artists of his generation. His techniques spans from traditional dry brush to a delicate air brush. There is hardly a country where his works cannot be seen. Cartagena is now a U.S. Citizen. He is proud that his pin-up illustrations continue an American tradition began by artists, such as Alberto Vargas, Gil Elvgren, George Petty, that have become a part of the American culture. Cartagena also feels very fortunate and grateful to be working with friends, like, Alfredo Cartagena, Joe Popovits, Idan York, Robert Bane in the US. and Reinhard Geckler representing him in Germany and all Europe.

Like most artists, achieving recognition was a long hard struggle. Cartagena was born and raised in Guatemala City. As a young man he soon realized that, in his home town, opportunities for artists of his talent were limited. So, in 1981, at the age of 21 he emigrated to the United States in pursuit of his boyhood dream of becoming an artist.

Cartagena is regularly commissioned to paint models, but is frequently asked to create female images that are of no one in particular. When asked about his extraordinary talent, the smiles and remembers Thomas Edison's famous quote that genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Putting his own twist on Edison, Cartagena says that talent is 10% burning desire and 90% long hours of hard work. When giving advice to young aspiring artists he reminds them of being committed to that 91%.